BNP to tell UN of 'torture' on SQ Chy

BNP will report to international communities including the United Nations about the “police torture” on BNP lawmaker Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, Opposition Chief Whip Zainul Abdin Farroque said yesterday.
“When an MP was held without an arrest warrant and lawmakers were barred at the VIP lounge of an airport from seeing off a three-time prime minister [Khaleda Zia], it does not seem that the country has democracy,” he said after visiting Salauddin's family members at their Dhanmondi residence.
Salauddin, a standing committee member, was arrested on December 16 on charges of planning and financing an arson attack on a car in Moghbazar on June 26 that left one person dead.
On December 19, he was shown arrested for his alleged involvement in committing crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.
Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain alleged the ruling party wants to win next month's municipal elections by any means, even by using police and civil administration.
“The government wants to take the election result in its favour to prove its popularity, and therefore it will not reflect people's aspiration,” he claimed at a press briefing at the party's Naya Paltan office yesterday. He also urged people to resist it.
The polls will be held on January 12, 13, 17 and 18 in more than 250 of 310 municipalities across the country. Almost all the political parties including BNP are contesting the polls.
Criticising the government for not holding the long overdue Dhaka City Corporation election, Delwar said the government is not holding this election fearing defeat, as it lost popularity.
The BNP leader said even the general public are now against the government. “It [the govt] will be ousted from power through a movement if it does not quit,” he warned.
On party's organisational strength, Delwar said the party is not weak but it will take some time to be reorganised.
He also protested the “police torture” on Salauddin Quader and filing of cases against party leaders including Amanullah Aman.
BNP will hold a human chain in front of the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday protesting his arrest, Farroque said, adding, the party will continue movement until Salauddin is released.